Cpl Jennifer Parcell was killed in Iraq by a suicide bomber on 7 February 2007. I had the honor of meeting the family of Cpl Jennifer Parcell and coming to know her through their stories. The Lt assigned as the CACO and I went to the home of Pam and John, her parents, that afternoon with the sad news.

Cpl Parcell was a Marine I never knew until after her death. She was 20 years old and loved being a Marine, especially helping people. She assisted with humanitarian operations in Pakistan for five months as a member of a TSB (Transportation Support Battalion) before her Iraq deployment. In general, if you need anything moved from one place to another, then the TSB can do it and that is because of Marines like Jennifer. Her Commanding Officer described the young Marine as one who could and would do anything. No matter how cold, hungry, or tired everyone was - you could count on Cpl Parcell.

She was laid to rest today with full honors, surrounded by scores of friends and family. A large group of the Patriot Guard attended, silently holding flags.

So long as there are others with the courage and spirit of Jennifer Parcell, the world will be a better place. Her brother, also a Corporal, is another example to point out when someone says that young people are not up to the standards of times past.

Take note, because we lost a fine American on 7 February 2007. Jennifer, be at peace. Well done.

There is a lot I would like to say about this fine young lady, but I just can't seem to find the words right now.

Logged

Science claims that hydrogen, because there is so much of it, is the building block of the universe, I dispute this, there is plenty more stupidity, and that is the building block of the universe. Frank Zappa

My hat is off to Cpl Parcell and for her service; she gave her life with valiant service. I just want to say that my uncle fought in the Meuse-Argonne offensive during World War I and was gassed. My father served with honor in Korea and Vietnam and passed away two years ago. Many of our fighting men served with honor and many also gave their lives that we can remain free from tyranny. It is with sadness to see women perish on the battlefields in our day. I can not stress enough that our nation has lost its way when we expose women in harm's way. Imagine women dying in the trenches by the hundreds at the Somme or the beaches of Normandy.

This is not to detract from Cpl Parcell's accomplishments, but I think that our PC age has cost lives.

Currently, women are prevented from serving in certain combat-dedicated jobs. Such as the focus of the Corps, the Infantry (03XX) fields. However, I have worked with a lot of women over the years and can say they can be just as tough and dedicated as us men (not that that should be a concern). We believe in equality and, if that is true, I cannot think of a valid argument why women should not be allowed to serve in the armed forces.

By the way, there is a female Gunnery Sergeant at my current unit. Not only is she unafraid of the cold and rain, she can beat me in a run (she also runs marathons) and I am regarded as a very good runner.